Bombers launch review after doping scandal

Essendon has announced an independent review of its governance and processes following last month's revelations the club is involved in a doping investigation.

The review will be led by former Telstra chief executive Dr Ziggy Switkowski.

The external review comes three weeks after the club asked for help from the AFL and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) in reviewing Essendon's 2012 supplements program.

Bombers chairman David Evans said the board is now aware of "irregular practices" at the club.

But he said he could not elaborate on what has been uncovered.

"That is difficult for me to do because there is an investigation going on which I do not want to compromise the integrity of that investigation," he said.

"Nor do I want to compromise the review I've just announced. That's something I prefer not to talk about, except to say I'm aware of irregular practices that did occur."

Evans has reiterated that no player has tested positive for any performance enhancing substance.

He says the review will start with the governance of the club, from the board level down.

"This is not about individuals. This is about processes and procedures, supervision that we need to get to the bottom of where they let us down to get to the position we are in today," he said.

Evans said there was no timeline set for the review, but he expects it to be completed before the ASADA investigation.

"I've been in constant dialogue with ASADA. But it's clear that their investigation will probably be months rather than weeks. But I haven't got a firm timeline on this the ASADA investigation," he said.

Switkowski will draw on the assistance of Dr Andrew Garnham, a specialist sports physician with particular expertise in sports nutrition.

The club has promised to give the investigators whatever resources are needed.

The review will also investigate practices in other clubs and other sports to measure Essendon's actions and processes against best practice.

Evans said the club's members deserve to know what happened, and to have faith the club will take responsibility to fix any problems.